Let's Get Wild

I want to show you a fun way to use the quirky characters from the new Popping In set of digital stamps. I've used the big old bear, but this technique would also work just as well with the hippopotamus.

1. Print the digital stamp slightly shorter than the long edge of your card. For me, that's 51/2" tall for a 6"x4" card blank. If you wish, use a pencil to draw a line from the neck of the bear to the belly where the lines end. This will give you a guide for where to colour.

2. Colour the image and then fussy cut around the edges leaving a "tab" on the right hand side (left hand side for the hippo). Your tab should be around 1/2" wide.

3. Use a craft knife to cut around the outer edge of the balloon, as shown in the photo below. (You don't need to do this step if you don't mind the balloon folding around the side of your card.)

4. Score along the pencil line you made earlier, avoiding the balloon, and fold the tab back behind the bear. Press the fold firmly with a bone folder.

5. With the coloured side face down, attach the tab to the back of your card with strong glue or double-sided tape. (See the photos below for correct placement.) Close the card, then fold the bear to the front.

6. Decorate the front of your card as desired. I used a nice bright piece of paper and one of the sentiments from the Popping In set.

Stamps: